“As We Enter Another Era”: President Cyril Ramaphosa Makes Lofty Promises For His Second Term
After much coalition discussions and weeks of speculation surrounding the structure of South Africa’s forthcoming seventh administration, ANC president and current head of state Cyril Ramaphosa has been elected as president of the country once again, securing a second term. The inauguration took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on the 19th of June 2024.
With the confirmed coalition government set encompassing the ANC, DA, and IFP, Ramaphosa won his second term against fellow nominee and fierce rival, the EFF’s CIC Julius Malema.
Sworn into office before thousands of distinguished guests and legions watching from the other side of the screens, Ramaphosa’s inauguration was graced by the presence of many international dignitaries, distinguished members of royalty, and foreign Heads of State. The attendees included King Mswati III from Eswatini, Zimbabwean president Emerson Mnangagwa, Kenya’s Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Nigerian president Bola Tinubu, among others.
Zimbabwean president Emerson Mnangagwa
Praise Poet Ntombhi Ya Mutsonga
The event was also attended by King Misuzulu KaZwelithini and King Letsie III, both kings were accompanied by their respective wives. Other prominent figures who made it to the inauguration was Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane.
In his speech, Cyril not only acknowledged that his second term would be the beginning of “another era” for the country, but that more needed to be done for the people of South Africa, particularly in addressing grievances pertaining to the countrywide perennial energy crisis, the longstanding war against corruption, and the devastating effects of poor service delivery and unemployment on the average South African’s life.
Watch Cyril taking the presidential oath:
“They have expressed their appreciation of the progress in many areas of their lives over the past 30 years of democracy. They have also been unequivocal in expressing their disappointment and disapproval of our performance in some of the areas in which we have failed them. They want a transformed, growing and inclusive economy that creates jobs for millions of job seekers and offer business opportunities to all entrepreneurs in our nation – women and men, young and old.
“The people have been clear about what they want. They want a South Africa in which all may find shelter in our democratic Constitution and may find protection in our courts. They have described a country in which all may rise above the circumstances of their birth, nurtured by loving families, aided by a caring state and empowered by initiative, will and hard work. Through their votes they have made clear that they want the basic necessities of a life that is comfortable, happy, healthy and secure. Through their votes they asserted that they want enough food to eat. Water that is clean. Affordable electricity that is available at all times,” Ramaphosa said during his speech.
With the president officially inducted, the nation anxiously waits to hear about the announcement of cabinet members.